notwithstanding their differences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notwithstanding their differences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid despite the differences that may exist between people, ideas, or situations. Example: "Notwithstanding their differences, the two leaders were able to reach a consensus on the important issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Notwithstanding their differences, however, a common thread unites them: China is presented as the dominant agent.

Independent

Notwithstanding their differences in style and perspective, as shown on that October evening, minority leaders who were interviewed last week agreed that their objectives are the same.

The New York Times

Notwithstanding their differences in detail, poststructuralism, neopragmatism, and postmodernism all contributed to widespread doubts about Western philosophy's claims to the ultimate foundations of knowledge, truth, and meaning.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Notwithstanding their striking differences, t-physical and o-physical properties are physical properties.

SEP

Notwithstanding their doctrinal differences, both the Sarvāstivāda and the Theravāda Abhidhamma had to confront these challenges, and they did so by formulating complex theories of immediate contiguity that grant causal efficacy.

SEP

Notwithstanding their primary sequence differences, all enzymes belonging to this superfamily possess the three-domain fold and behave similarly in terms of domain movements upon substrate binding and catalysis.

Plosone

Notwithstanding their theoretical and ideological differences, the commentators cited here all urge that we not abandon the humanistic foundations of education in favor of narrow, technical forms of learning intended to give quick, practical results.

Huffington Post

Notwithstanding their poor grasp of the difference between causation and correlation, Chicago Public School officials seem to be working especially hard to reach out to parents this year.

HuffPost

I often think of Moon and Glenn Gould together, notwithstanding their great differences.

The New Yorker

Advisers said Mr. Obama concluded after the election that the problems confronting the nation were so serious that he needed Mrs. Clinton's stature and capabilities as part of his team, notwithstanding their past differences.

The New York Times

Their differences notwithstanding, both the Sarvāstivāda and the Theravāda theories of causal conditioning are based on the notions that dharmas are psycho-physical events that perform specific functions, and that to define what a dhamma is requires one to determine what it does (Gethin 1992A, 150).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "notwithstanding their differences", ensure that the contrast you are highlighting is significant enough to warrant the phrase. If the differences are minor, a simpler construction might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "notwithstanding their differences" when the differences are already well-understood or insignificant. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or even sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notwithstanding their differences" functions as a prepositional phrase, serving to concede or acknowledge existing differences before introducing a point of agreement or similarity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable. It is often used to set up a contrast, as exemplified by the sentences in the search results.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notwithstanding their differences" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for acknowledging disparities while emphasizing underlying similarities or agreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Though not as common as simpler alternatives like "despite" or "in spite of", it lends a formal and analytical tone suitable for academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast is significant and the tone aligns with the overall formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite their differences

Emphasizes the contrast more directly, using a simpler preposition.

in spite of their differences

Similar to 'despite', but may carry a slightly stronger sense of unexpectedness.

even with their differences

Highlights that the differences exist but do not negate the main point.

regardless of their differences

Indicates that the differences are not a relevant factor.

irrespective of their differences

A more formal synonym for 'regardless of'.

although they differ

Uses a conjunction to introduce the differences as a subordinate clause.

even if they are different

Similar to 'although they differ', but with a slightly more conditional tone.

yet they are dissimilar

Highlights a statement of contrast followed by the actual likeness.

while recognizing their differences

Acknowledges the differences explicitly before proceeding.

taking their differences into account

Suggests a more deliberate consideration of the differences.

FAQs

How can I use "notwithstanding their differences" in a sentence?

Use "notwithstanding their differences" to acknowledge disparities before highlighting a commonality or agreement. For example, "Notwithstanding their differences, the two companies decided to merge".

What does "notwithstanding" mean?

"Notwithstanding" is a preposition that means "in spite of" or "despite". It's often used to introduce a fact that contrasts with what has been said previously.

What are some alternatives to "notwithstanding their differences"?

You can use alternatives like "despite their differences", "in spite of their differences", or "regardless of their differences".

Is it ever incorrect to use "notwithstanding their differences"?

While grammatically correct, using "notwithstanding their differences" can be inappropriate if the differences are trivial or already obvious. In such cases, a simpler phrase might be more effective.